Gold Coast Marine Expo - Fishing expert puts latest lures to work

Anglers of all abilities will be treated to the latest and greatest in leading-edge lures when the Yamaha Super Tank captivates audiences at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo in 2015 Emma Milne

Seasoned fisherman Michael Cook says even experienced anglers will appreciate the chance to see fish react to lure-twitching techniques and actions inside the transparent mobile fish tank © Emma Milne

'We will be water-testing both fresh and saltwater lures that have just come on to the market – some new designs from both Australia and overseas that should really hit the spot,' said Michael.

'I also have my personal favourite tips, techniques and tackle that I will share with people who want to increase their strike rates.'

The Yamaha Super Tank provides a fish-eye view of life beneath the water is just as popular with experienced fishermen as it is with beginners and children.

The Yamaha Super Tank provides a fish-eye view of life beneath the water is just as popular with experienced fishermen as it is with beginners and children © Emma Milne

'There’s really no other place in Australia where you can come and get a true glimpse of how lures work under water,' said Michael.

'Ninety-nine per cent of the time anglers flick their lure and twitch … but can’t really see the way it’s working.

'This way you can see exactly what makes a fish strike.'

Last year’s Expo demonstrations drew huge crowds, and were conducted by Brett Thomson. This year, Michael will conduct the Gold Coast show six times daily throughout the four big days of the 2015 Expo.

'I’m really looking forward to it,' said Michael, from Robina. 'We do about 70 shows a year across Australia but this one, for me, is on my home turf.

'I’ll freshen up on my presentation and go a little more in-depth than I usually do.'

The Super Tank show includes casting demonstrations, the latest lures as well as tips on off-road safety, eye safety, boat safety, footwear, knife sharpening and, of course, fruitful fishing destinations.

'The one thing I always recommend is to go out with a guide at each different fishing destination,' says Michael Cooke, a seasoned angler with experience in catching all types of fish.

'With a guide, you can get a 30-year apprenticeship in one trip. However, there does come a time when you have to get out and do it yourself so that’s where we try to help.'

Michael said there were several reasons that barramundi are used for the demonstrations.

'Well, for one, they are easier to train to bite the lures,' he said.

'But, also, almost all fish react in much the same way as a barramundi, but barramundi will chase both salt and freshwater lures.'

The Super Tank is just one of the family-fun attractions organised for the 2015 Expo – a massive showcase of all things aquatic, from superyachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between.

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo – now in its fifth year – has a firm heritage of being family friendly, offering interactive entertainment and live demonstrations every 15 minutes across an expanded event site which includes a 3km-long display circuit, as well as factory tours of the biggest luxury yacht and aluminium boat-building facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

'Last week we announced that Notorious the pirate ship would be coming to the Gold Coast especially for the 2015 Expo,' said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne. 'We also have free on-water sailing lessons for the kids with Southport Yacht Club.

'But we have many more exciting announcements over the next 15 weeks regarding new initiatives, new attractions and new launches that will confirm the Expo is the boat show with so much more,' she said.

'If you love boating, the Gold Coast is the place to be from 21-24 May 2015.'